Kimi Antonelli pinpoints ‘controversial’ aspect in Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch
18-year-old Kimi Antonelli reckons Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was somewhat controversial as he replaces the Briton at Mercedes.
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Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton (images via IMAGO)
The 2025 F1 season sees a major shake-up in driver line-ups across the grid. The biggest chance is Lewis Hamilton‘s switch to Scuderia Ferrari. With 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli filling in the huge shoes left by the seven-time world champion. Now, the Italian driver has highlighted a rather peculiar aspect of this change.
The Mercedes prodigy acknowledged that his move to Mercedes to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton was rather controversial. Kimi Antonelli emphasized that he is an Italian who will now join the Brackley-based Silver Arrows, while Briton Hamilton will join the Scuderia, the team which is synonymous with Italy.
It’s a bit weird because it’s a bit controversial that an Italian driver is going to Mercedes and an English driver is going to Ferrari!
Kimi Antonelli said
Nevertheless, Antonelli insisted that he was delighted to be making his F1 debut this year. The 18-year-old claimed that there was a lot of excitement surrounding his Mercedes move as the sport welcomes its first Italian driver, since Antonio Giovinazzi‘s failed stint at Sauber.
But I’m super happy with the position I am [in], and of course there’s a lot of hype around because [there’s] another new Italian on the grid.
Kimi Antonelli added
Kimi Antonelli expects massive hype at Italian GP
The Italian GP at Monza, the ‘temple of speed’ is one of the biggest spectacles on the F1 calendar. The Tifosi take over the circuit during the podium ceremony with massive flags of the Prancing Horse. Kimi Antonelli insisted that the race will be even more thrilling as Lewis Hamilton races in red for the first time.
Of course such a figure like Lewis joining Ferrari is an incredible thing. I think during the Italian Grand Prix there is going to be a lot of excitement around.
Kimi Antonelli noted
Certainly, Italy has a lot to root for this year. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is undoubtedly the biggest driver move in the past decade. Moreover, Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes campaign opens the door for an Italian to once again fight for the F1 world title in the near future.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2392 Articles Published)